Joseph Caron appointed to Manulife Board of Directors

TORONTO, Oct. 12 /CNW/ - Manulife Financial Corporation and The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company announced today that Joseph Caron has been appointed to their Boards of Directors, effective October 11, 2010.

Joseph Caron, Principal and Founder of Joseph Caron Inc., brings extensive knowledge and experience in international affairs and on matters of state to Manulife's Board. Mr. Caron's experience includes almost four decades with the Government of Canada in a number of key diplomatic posts including Ambassador to the Peoples' Republic of China, Ambassador to Japan and High Commissioner to the Republic of India. In September of this year, Mr. Caron joined HB Global Advisors Corporation, the international consulting firm within Heenan Blaikie. He has also been named a Distinguished Fellow of the Asia Pacific Foundation and an Honorary Research Associate of the University of British Columbia's Institute of Asian Research. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Ottawa.

"Joseph Caron's extensive international affairs experience in Asia will benefit the Board and Company significantly," said Manulife Chair Gail Cook-Bennett. "We are delighted to welcome Joseph to the Board. It is fitting that his first Board meeting is in Beijing, where he once served as Canada's Ambassador. Joseph's expertise will help inform our strategies as we continue to explore the many opportunities throughout this region."

With operations in 11 countries and territories across Asia, Manulife's Asia Division represents the fastest growing division of the Company and contributes approximately 30 per cent of the Company's net income.

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 22 countries and territories worldwide. For more than 120 years, clients have looked to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We provide asset management services to institutional customers worldwide as well as reinsurance solutions, specializing in life and property and casualty retrocession. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$454 billion (US$428 billion) as at June 30, 2010. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

For further information: Media Contact: Laurie Lupton, [phone], [email protected]; Investor Relations: Shad Ansari, [phone], [email protected]